The earliest Augustinian Constitutions followed the general structure and content of the constitutions of the fellow-mendicant Order of Preachers (the Dominicans), formed at the beginning of the same century.
A copy of these original Augustinian constitutions no longer exists. They were last recorded as being seen in full late in the sixteenth century at the Augustinian convento at Lucca, Italy by Maurizio Terzi O.S.A. of Palma, Italy.
Unfortunately, he did not make an exact copy of them, but fortunately at least wrote a summary of parts of them.
He noted many points contained in the Constitutions, e.g., the Prior General was to hold office for three years, and visitors (i.e., those who made official visitations of Augustinian houses on his behalf) for one year as his associates.
A general chapter was to be held annually, but not always in the same place, unless the Roman Curia of the Church demanded otherwise. A General Chapter was to elect four of those present as definitors (i.e., official advisors to the Prior General).
The latter, together with the visitors, are to conduct necessary business. Their roles and that of the Prior General were detailed.
The constitutions stipulated that the clothing of the brethren was not to be dyed or out of the ordinary. All were to wear a leather belt over their habit, except when sleeping. They were not obliged to wear the habit while sleeping in an Augustinian community.
Habits were to be black, and to have a cowl. The scapular, draping down the front and back of the tunic of the habit, was to be white, and held in place by a cincture. Novices were to wear a white tunic and white scapular, black ankle-length cloaks, leather belts and knives.
Augustinians were not to enter cities and towns without their habit, or to enter on horseback.
The Wednesdays and Fridays of Lent were to be days of fasting, with only one course. At dinner on other days they might have two courses.
On Friday in the first, third and final week of Lent they were to have only bread, water and vegetables. All were to drink the water from their two hands and while seated.
